THIS was not the result Keir Starmer had wanted. The Prime Minister and his inner circle had hoped to wake up to the cheers from Kamala Harris's victory party in Washington DC.
Instead they switched on their televisions to see wild celebrations at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago club in Florida.
Ahead of the election, Downing Street had been preparing for the worst and hoping for the best. Now the worst has happened.
If he was disappointed, Starmer hid it behind the most diplomatic of brave faces.
"As the closest of allies, we stand shoulder to shoulder in defence of our shared values of freedom, democracy and enterprise," the Prime Minister said in a statement congratulating President-elect Trump on his victory.
A few hours later, at Prime Minister's Questions, there was the obligatory reference to the Special Relationship between the US and UK.
He said: "We live in probably a more volatile world than we have for decades and it's absolutely crucial that we have that strong, Special Relationship, forged in difficult circumstances... we will continue to work together on issues of security, our economy and global conflict."
The PM will have felt duty bound to utter such words but there is no avoiding the trepidation in No10 that a second Trump term could test the bonds of the Special Relationship to breaking point.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
DOPPELGANGERL
Hudson-Odoi hails Wood as Forest's very own Haaland
REDDY TO TAKE OVER!
Slot's relentless side are in a commanding position to grab the crown that is falling from City's grasp
Loss of urgency, LEWIS lack of care and a huge 82 drop off in form killing City's season
SHORTLY after Cody Gakpo had opened the scoring amid more abject defending from Manchester City, Phil Foden had to receive treatment for a knock to the knee.
AMOR TO THE POINT
It's only taken Ruben three games but United are already playing with style and swagger
Red scare can't stop Botafogo
ALEX TELLES scored from the spot as Botafogo overcame a first-minute red card to be crowned South America's champions at the Copa Libertadores.
QATAR ZERO
It's the pits as Lewis finishes pointless after puncture & two penalties
Ryggs is a lethal weapon
RYGGS JOHNSTON won on only his second DP World Tour start as he captured the Australian Open in impressive fashion.
BRY & MIGHTY
Stokes hails Carse as 'three bowlers in one' as 10-wicket haul fires England to victory
REED ON THE ROAD TO TOP OF THE WORLD
ARRON REED was tipped for \"world-class\" status after scoring twice as Sale hit Leicester for six.
IT'S MOUTH ALMIGHTY
LOSSIEMOUTH is as short as 6-4 favourite (from 5-2) for the Champion Hurdle next March after posting an impressive victory in the Grade 1 Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse.
